Indie Game All Will Rise to Return Microsoft Funding in Solidarity with ‘No Games for Genocide’ Boycott

All Will Rise is a unique “narrative courtroom deck-builder” where players take on the role of challenging a corrupt billionaire in court over the death of a river. The game is nearing the end of a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Speculative Agency, the indie developer behind this intriguing title, has announced that it is severing ties with Microsoft as part of the No Games for Genocide boycott, opting to return the funding received from the tech giant through a developer acceleration program.

In a statement shared with various sources, the studio expressed its belief that the growing movement could pressure Microsoft to end its complicity in what they describe as Israeli genocide. Meghna Jayanth, the narrative director for All Will Rise, discussed the decision in a follow-up communication, confirming that Microsoft has been understanding about the studio’s choice, although some contractual details are still being finalized.

While it remains uncertain if the game will still launch on Xbox platforms, Speculative Agency acknowledged that this decision could limit their reach to a broader audience, increasing financial risks and reducing their potential player base. Recent archival data indicates that the “Platforms” section of All Will Rise’s press kit has been updated to remove Xbox as a platform option. The No Games for Genocide movement is described as a coalition of game workers, activists, union organizers, and journalists advocating for the games industry, Palestine, and those affected by colonialism and imperialism. Microsoft has faced criticism for providing technology to both the U.S. government and the Israeli Defense Force.

Speculative Agency’s statement emphasizes the belief that even small actions can lead to significant change, expressing hope that if enough developers join the cause, it could mark a pivotal moment. They firmly reject the notion that commercial success should come at the expense of their principles.